INTRODUCTION
Welcome to our Year 9 study of graphic novels. In this unit, students should learn more about graphic novels by reading widely in this genre and by undertaking both a group inquiry approach and an individual inquiry. It is anticipated that students will read and study graphic novels over one term - one double period a week of class time will be provided. Some work may need to be completed at home - hence the creation of this wiki - and we may also use a class blog for students to record their progress as the unit develops.
This unit of work is being created in a collaborative effort between a Year 9 classroom teacher and a teacher-librarian - both of whom think that graphic novels have a lot to offer Year 9 students and both of whom love to encourage students to read. This unit will be a learning experience for the teachers as well as the students as we all create this wiki together.
Students complete a pre-unit survey about their knowledge and experience of reading graphic novels (to determine the students' knowledge about graphic novels and to shape of the rest of the unit)
Students are introduced to a range of graphic novels by the Teacher-librarian (Library Book Chat)
Students then read at least 3 different types of graphic novels (authors, illustrators, plot...) and fill out a summary sheet
Individually, students use a Mind Map to organise their thoughts about the elements/characteristics that they have discovered in their readings (may need instruction in the use of colour, subheadings etc in Mind Maps - may need class brainstorm first about characteristics to identify eg plot, characters, setting, themes, presentation - colour, layout etc) - samples are provided on this wiki
In groups, students compare their Mind Maps - they can then create a group definition for "graphic novel"
Compare each group's definition (if this is to be the main focus of the unit, then students may wish to compare their definitions with "expert" definitions (ie from graphic novelists/sites etc - or teachertube) - check resources page
2. What makes a good graphic novel??
Students are encouraged to read at least 3 more graphic novels
Individually, determine their favourites and identify the criteria/characteristics they used - use a graphic novel format to organise their thoughts
Samples of these may be found on this wiki
Students may then present their conclusions as a persuasive oral to the class (they may use their graphic organsier as a visual aid) - with references to specific graphic novels to support their views)
* 3. Why should we read graphic novels?? Why should the school library buy graphic novels??
Student responses to this question could be presented in a number of ways - they may be offered a choice or the choice may be determined by time constraints or assessment needs or work schedules.
Possibilities:
individual/group talks to the class/librarians/other classes
voice thread presentations
class debate "That we should/should not ...." by some/all of the students
Students voice their opinions on a class blog - which is linked to this wiki
B. Individual Inquiry
Students choose an area for individual study. They may read a number of graphic novels or pursue one author/illustrator or make comparisons. They may compare traditional novel formats with graphic novel formats. This is an opportunity for student choice - may offer them choice in terms of topic and/or presentation style (eg present responses on the class blog? on the class wiki? in other ways eg brochure, talk, debate....)
Possible topics:
Which is better - the novel or the graphic novel version?? (eg Redwall, Artemis Fowl, Magician's Apprentice, Agatha Christie, Stormbreaker, Point Blanc, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew ....)
Which Goosebumps story is captured best?? (comparison of the Goosebumps stories collected in the graphic format)
Which 5 graphic novels should the library purchase next and why??
Is colour necessary in a graphic novel??
Who is best....?
Which is better......?
How is a graphic novel different from a picture story book?
GRAPHIC NOVEL STUDY FOR YEAR 9s
Welcome to our Year 9 study of graphic novels. In this unit, students should learn more about graphic novels by reading widely in this genre and by undertaking both a group inquiry approach and an individual inquiry. It is anticipated that students will read and study graphic novels over one term - one double period a week of class time will be provided. Some work may need to be completed at home - hence the creation of this wiki - and we may also use a class blog for students to record their progress as the unit develops.
This unit of work is being created in a collaborative effort between a Year 9 classroom teacher and a teacher-librarian - both of whom think that graphic novels have a lot to offer Year 9 students and both of whom love to encourage students to read. This unit will be a learning experience for the teachers as well as the students as we all create this wiki together.
A. Group Inquiry
1. What is a Graphic Novel??
2. What makes a good graphic novel??
- Students are encouraged to read at least 3 more graphic novels
- Individually, determine their favourites and identify the criteria/characteristics they used - use a graphic novel format to organise their thoughts
- Samples of these may be found on this wiki
- Students may then present their conclusions as a persuasive oral to the class (they may use their graphic organsier as a visual aid) - with references to specific graphic novels to support their views)
*3. Why should we read graphic novels?? Why should the school library buy graphic novels??
Possibilities:
B. Individual Inquiry
Students choose an area for individual study. They may read a number of graphic novels or pursue one author/illustrator or make comparisons. They may compare traditional novel formats with graphic novel formats. This is an opportunity for student choice - may offer them choice in terms of topic and/or presentation style (eg present responses on the class blog? on the class wiki? in other ways eg brochure, talk, debate....)
Possible topics: